Steering linkage for bicycles

ABSTRACT

A steering linkage assembly that allows an offset between a steering axis and a headtube axis of a bicycle. In turn, rider cockpit dimensions are divorced from vehicle performance aspects such that vehicle performance aspects may be tailored regardless of rider size. The steering linkage assembly generally includes linkage members on an opposite side of a linkage chassis than handlebars of the bicycle to improve performance by increasing steering angle range allowed by the linkage. In addition, different linkage members and linkage chasses may be provided to accommodate different offsets between the steering axis and the headtube axis.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a § 371 national phase filing of PCT/US20/61812entitled “STEERING LINKAGE FOR BICYCLES” filed on 23 Nov. 2020, which isrelated to and claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApp. No. 62/939,381, entitled “STEERING LINKAGE FOR BICYCLES” filed on22 Nov. 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/967,938, entitled“STEERING LINKAGE FOR BICYCLES” filed on 30 Jan. 2020, the entiredisclosures of each of the foregoing is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

As the sport of mountain biking has matured, many independentdisciplines have formed within the sport. Each of these disciplinesdemands different performance attributes from the bike and rider. Forexample, the discipline of Cross Country racing demands nimble, lightand stiff bikes—and aerobically fit riders with powerful legs. Incontrast, the discipline of Downhill requires vehicle stability at highspeed, maximum tire traction, and extensive suspension for both wheelsand full body strong riders. The bikes for these specific disciplineshave developed in such a divergent manner that they can barely berecognized as relatives. Specifically, bicycles designed for eachrespective discipline have vastly different geometries that tailor eachtype of bicycle to the specific discipline. Yet there remain somefundamental architecture commonalities between these very differentmountain bikes.

All mountain bikes are offered in several sizes to fit riders ofdifferent heights. The parameters that define rider fit are collectivelycalled the rider cockpit. The rider cockpit is made up of 3 primarycontact points, 1) the rider's foot to pedal, 2) the rider's posteriorto saddle, 3) the rider's hand to handlebar. The distance between thesecontact points depends on the size of rider. A taller rider will requirea larger effective “rider cockpit” (longer distances between contactpoints) than a shorter rider. FIG. 1 depicts common measurements ofbicycles. Two primary measurements of the rider cockpit include “stack”and “reach.” Stack refers to the vertical distance measured from thebottom bracket of the bicycle to a horizontal datum aligned with the topof the bicycle's head tube. Reach refers to a horizontal distance fromthe top of the bicycle's headtube to a vertical datum aligned with thebicycle's bottom bracket. Seat height on a bicycle is often adjustablethrough a seat post that may telescopically engage a seat tube of thebicycle. In addition, the placement of the handlebars may be adjustedthrough use of spacers, different sized stems, or the like. However, thestack and reach are fixed values for a given bicycle frame, as are theseat tube angle and head tube angle (which effects the “rake” of thefork of the bicycle). Bicycles are currently built around the ridercockpit, defined by the stack and reach described above.

The rider cockpit dimensions define many other performance attributes ofthe bike. For example, wheelbase is the distance between the front andrear wheel. The wheelbase may affect a bicycle's performance attributes.For example, a shorter wheelbase results in a more maneuverable, butless stable bike. Conversely, a longer wheelbase results in a morecumbersome (e.g., less maneuverable), but more stable bike. Due to thebicycle architecture (front wheel connected to fork, connected toheadtube, connected to stem, connected to handlebar), wheelbase isdirectly proportional to rider cockpit. So, a bike designed to fit ashorter rider will have a proportionally shorter wheelbase, and a bikedesigned to fit a taller rider will have a proportionally longerwheelbase. This means the vehicle performance attributes are directlytied to the size of rider. A shorter rider has no choice but to ride abike that is more maneuverable, but less stable. And a taller rider hasno choice but to ride a more cumbersome, but more stable bike.Accordingly, the current paradigm governing bicycle design ties certainbicycle geometries that affect the vehicle performance with the ridercockpit dimensions such that vehicle performance characteristics aredirectly tied to the size of the bicycle required to fit a given sizedrider.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, the present disclosure relates to a steeringlinkage for a bicycle. By use of a steering linkage as described herein,the rider cockpit sizing is effectively divorced from the overallbicycle performance geometry parameters such that the dependence onrider size as a factor for bicycle performance characteristic is reducedor eliminated. That is, by use of the steering linkage described herein,rider cockpit dimensions (e.g., reach and stack) may be established tofit a rider while not effecting the geometry of the bicycle that affectvehicle performance such as wheelbase, fork rake, and the like. That is,the purpose of the steering linkage is to disassociate the “ridercockpit” from “vehicle performance attributes.” For example, a bikeusing the steering linkage described herein can have a “rider cockpit”to fit a taller rider but have a shorter wheelbase to provide a moredynamic vehicle performance attribute. Conversely, the presentlydescribed steering linkage may allow a shorter rider to fit a longerwheelbase bicycle to provide a more stable vehicle performanceattribute. In short, the rider can now decide what kind of vehicleperformance attributes the rider wants, independent of rider cockpitfit.

Accordingly, the present disclosure generally relates to a steeringlinkage assembly. The steering linkage assembly includes a linkagechassis, a fork steerer, a handlebar steerer, and one or more linkagemember. The linkage chassis includes a steering tube having a steeringaxis that is offset from a headtube axis defined by a headtube of abicycle frame. The linkage chassis may be integrated with a bicycleframe or may comprise a separate component that may be affixed to thebicycle frame (e.g., at the headtube).

In any regard, the fork steerer is configured for co-rotation with afork of the bicycle frame and the handlebar steerer is configured forco-rotation with handlebars. Additionally, the linkage member extendsbetween the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer to impartco-rotational movement between the handlebar steerer and the forksteerer. The linkage member is disposed on a side of the linkage chassisopposite the handlebars for uninterrupted movement of the linkage memberby the bicycle frame or the linkage chassis.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Other implementations are also described and recited herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts example bicycle measures and components.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of a linkage chassis in an exploded positionrelative to a bicycle frame.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example of a bicycle having asteering linkage assembly with the handlebars in a “neutral” or straightarrangement.

FIG. 4 depicts a detailed top-front perspective view of an example of abicycle having a steering linkage assembly with the handlebars in a“neutral” or straight arrangement.

FIG. 5 depicts a detailed bottom-front perspective view of an example ofa bicycle having a steering linkage assembly with the handlebars in a“neutral” or straight arrangement.

FIG. 6 depicts a detailed bottom-front perspective view of an example ofa bicycle having a steering linkage assembly with the handlebars in aturned arrangement.

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example of a steeringlinkage assembly taken along a centerline of the bicycle frame.

FIG. 8 a detailed bottom-front perspective view of another example of abicycle having a steering linkage assembly with the handlebars in a“neutral” or straight arrangement.

FIG. 9 a detailed bottom-front perspective view of another example of abicycle having a steering linkage assembly with the handlebars in aturned arrangement.

FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of another example of a steeringlinkage assembly taken along a centerline of the bicycle frame.

FIG. 11 depicts an example of a steering linkage assembly having aflexible linkage connecting the handlebar steerer and the fork steerer.

FIG. 12 depicts an example of a steering linkage assembly in which thehandlebar steerer is disposed in a headtube of a bicycle and the forksteerer is disposed in a steering tube of the linkage chassis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

As described above, the present disclosure generally relates to asteering linkage for a bicycle that allows certain rider cockpitdimensions and vehicle performance attributes to be independentlycontrolled.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an example of a linkage chassis110 that may be secured to a bicycle frame 100. The linkage chassis 110may securely attach to mating features 120 located on the front of theheadtube 102. For instance, the mating features 120 may include threadedholes for receipt of fasteners 112. In turn, the linkage chassis 110 maybe attached and removed using common tools. This allows the user to swapout different length linkage assemblies in order to fine tune thedimensions of the rider cockpit (e.g., reach and/or stack) independentlyof the vehicle performance attributes such as bicycle wheelbase, whichmay remain unaffected as the headtube 102 remains unchanged. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, this may allow a kit to be providedto allow for a modification of an offset length between a headtube axis142 of the bicycle frame 100 and a steering axis 144 of the linkagechassis 110 defined by a steering tube 146 of the linkage chassis 110.

Additionally, the user can opt to remove the linkage chassis 110 and anyassociated steering linkage assembly at all, instead setting the bike upwith a traditional fork/handlebar orientation. This convenient range ofsize options effectively isolates the rider cockpit from the vehiclesize, allowing any size rider to fit onto any size/length bike.Different kinds of riding demand different kind/size bikes.

In an alternative example, the linkage chassis 110 may be integratedwith the bicycle frame 100. Therefore, in the following discussion, theattributes of the linkage chassis 110 may generally be providedregardless of whether the linkage chassis 110 is provided as separate,attachable component to the bicycle frame 100 or integrated with abicycle frame 100. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 3-12, thelinkage chassis 110 is shown with respect to the bicycle frame 100. Itmay be appreciated that the linkage chassis 110 may be arranged as shownin FIGS. 3-12 whether integral or separate from the frame 100. In anyregard, with use of the linkage chassis 110, a headtube 102 and asteering tube 146 may be provided that are offset by an offset length asdescribed herein. Thus, while an attachable/detachable linkage chassis110 is shown and described herein, the present disclosure is not solimited and may include such an integrated configuration withoutlimitation.

With returned reference to FIGS. 3-12, examples of a steering linkageassembly 130 is shown. The steering linkage assembly 130 includes thelinkage chassis 110 including the steering tube 146. The steeringlinkage assembly 130 includes a fork steerer 132 and a handlebar steerer134 connected by way of one or more linkage member such as linkage bars136. The fork steerer 132 is configured for co-rotation with a fork 108of the bicycle frame 100. The fork steerer 132 may be clampingly engagedto a fork tube 114 that extends through the headtube 102 along theheadtube axis 142. The fork tube 114 may move relative to the headtube102 by way of rotational bearings disposed between the headtube 102 andthe fork tube 114. In any regard, the fork steerer 132 may co-rotationalwith the fork 108 (e.g., by way of the clamping engagement with the forktube 114).

The handlebar steerer 134 may be engaged with a steering spindle 148that may extend through the steering tube 146 of the linkage chassis110. The steering spindle 148 may be rotatable relative to the steeringtube 146 by way of rotational bearings. The handlebar steerer 134 may beco-rotational with the steering spindle 148. For example, the handlebarsteerer 134 may be clampingly engaged with, integral with, or otherwiseconfigured for co-rotation with the steering spindle 148. The steeringspindle 148 may be affixed with a stem 150 that, in turn, engageshandlebars 152. In turn, rotation of the handlebars 152 results inco-rotation of the steering spindle 148 and the handlebar steerer 134.

The handlebar steerer 134 and the fork steerer 132 may be connected byway of a plurality of linkage members to effectuate co-rotation of thefork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134. In the depicted example,the linkage members comprise rigid linkage bars 136 extending betweenthe fork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134. The linkage bars 136may each be rotationally engaged at a first end thereof with the forksteerer 132 and at a second end thereof with the handlebar steerer 134.In turn, the fork steerer 132, handlebar steerer 134, and the linkagebars 136 define a linkage (e.g., a four bar linkage). The linkageresults in co-rotation of the fork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer134. In turn, when a rider turns the handlebars 152, rotation istransmitted to the handlebar steerer 134, to the fork steerer 132, andon to the fork 108 to turn the bicycle's wheel (not shown).

The linkage defined by the fork steerer 132, handlebar steerer 134, andthe linkage bars 136 is located on the underside of the main frameheadtube 102 (i.e., a side adjacent to the fork 108 or nearest theground when the bicycle frame 100 is supported by wheels). Stateddifferently, the linkage bars 136 may be located on a side of thelinkage chassis 110 opposite that which the handlebars 152 are attachedto the steering spindle 148. The fork steerer 132 of the steeringlinkage assembly 130 may be provided between a fork crown 104 and alower bearing race 106 of the headtube 102. The handlebar steerer 134may be located below the linkage chassis 110. This orientation mayprovide advantages over other layouts in that it allows a greateroverall range of rotational motion. As the assembly rotates each linkagebar 136 can sweep underneath the handlebar steerer 134 and the linkagechassis 110. In contrast, if the linkage assembly was located on top orsomewhere mid elevation, the steering range of rotational motion wouldbe significantly reduced due to contact between one or more of thelinkage bars 136 and the handlebar steerer 134.

Additionally or alternatively, the steering linkage assembly 130 may beconfigured such that the linkage bars 136 sweep underneath the forksteerer 132. Again, this arrangement allows for improved steering angleby precluding interference between the linkage bars 136 and the forksteerer 132. Further still, and as will be described in greater detailbelow integration of the fork steerer 132 into fork crown 104 may alsobe provided to increase steering angle range.

Use of the steering linkage assembly 130 may allow rider handlebarheight to be adjusted with a number of components (e.g., including stemlength and angle, steerer spacer stack 138 height (best seen in FIG. 7),and handlebar rise and sweep). While all these adjustments may beprovided in traditional bicycle geometries relative to the top of theheadtube 102 on a traditional bike, adjustment of this base position islimited by the structural limitations of the frame and fork. That is,all adjustments of the handlebars 152 are still limited by the fact thehandlebars 152 must be provided above the top portion of the headtube102. In this regard, the handlebar height adjustment when using thesteering linkage assembly 130 may be configured in relation to theoffset distance 140 of the linkage chassis 110 between the headtube axis142 and the steering axis 144 of the steering linkage assembly 130. Inaddition, the steering linkage assembly 130 architecture allows morefreedom to adjust handlebar height because the base position formounting the handlebars can be located significantly lower than the topof the frame's headtube 102. That is, the steering tube 146 mayterminate in a manner that is offset from the termination of theheadtube 102. This may allow the components mounting the handlebars 152to be provided at a distance offset in a direction toward the groundwhen the bicycle is upright on the wheels of the bicycle. This may allowfor more flexibility when adjusting the rider cockpit by allowing thehandlebars 152 to be mounted relatively lower than can be accomplishedwhen mounting the handlebars 152 relative to the headtube 102.

Further still, the fork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134 mayalso be configured to provide leveraged actuation upon co-rotation ofthe fork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134. For instance, thefork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134 may be different lengthsor arranged relative to one another such that the amount of givenrotation between the fork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134 isnot equal as the fork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134 undergoco-rotation. That is, co-rotation does not require an identical amountof rotation of the fork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134.Rather, while co-rotation may include equal amounts of rotation of thefork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134, steering input mayalternatively be amplified or dampened relative to actual movement ofthe fork 108. That is, for a given amount of rotation of the handlebarsteerer 134 a different amount of rotation (e.g., more or less) of thefork steerer 134 and the fork 108 may be provided. For instance,steering may be made more responsive such that for a given amount ofrotation of the handlebar steerer 134 results in a greater amount ofrotation of the fork steerer 134 and the fork 108. Alternatively,steering may be dampened such that for a given amount of rotation of thehandlebar steerer 134 results in a smaller amount of rotation of thefork steerer 134 and the fork 108. As described above, this may beachieved through different lengths of the fork steerer 132 and thehandlebar steerer 134 between the linkage bars 136. Alternatively, inembodiments described below that utilize a continuous, flexible linkagemember, the fork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134 may havedifferent diameters to achieve different amounts of rotation between thefork steerer 132 and the handlebar steerer 134.

In the example depicted, two independent linkage bars 136 are utilizedin this architecture. This redundancy is a key safety benefit, iffailure occurs in one link, there is a second to maintain a functionalconnection.

With further reference to FIGS. 8-10, another example of a steeringlinkage assembly 230. The example depicted in FIGS. 8-10 may generallyinclude each feature recited above in relation to FIGS. 2-7. In thisregard, while reference numerals for the example shown in FIGS. 2-7 werein the form 1XX, corresponding components are labeled as 2XX in theexample shown in FIGS. 8-10.

In addition, the example shown in FIGS. 8-10 generally includes anintegrated fork steerer such that the link bars 236 directly engage thefork 208 (e.g., at a fork crown 204). In this regard, the fork 208 maybe directly acted on by the link bars 236 to co-rotate the fork 208 uponrotation of the handlebars 252 by a rider. This may provide an increasedturning angle range.

FIG. 11 depicts another example of a steering linkage assembly 330. Thesteering linkage assembly 330 may include features as generallydescribed above in relation to the examples of the steering linkageassembly 130 and the steering linkage assembly 230. In contrast to theforegoing steering linkage assembly examples that utilize a fork steererand handlebar steerer connected by linkage members comprising rigidlinkage bars, the steering linkage assembly 330 may include a linkagemember comprising a flexible linkage member 336. The flexible linkagemember 336 may comprise a continuous body such that the flexible linkagemember 336 may comprise a chain, belt, or other flexible member. Theflexible linkage member 336 may extend about a fork steerer 332 and ahandlebar steerer 334 such that the fork steerer 332 and the handlebarsteerer 334 are engaged for co-rotation.

The fork steerer 332 and/or handlebar steerer 334 may include engagementfeatures that correspond to the flexible linkage member 336 tofacilitate engagement between the flexible linkage member 336 and thefork steerer 332 and/or handlebar steerer 334. For instance, the forksteerer 332 and/or handlebar steerer 334 may include teeth, splines, orother features. In this regard, the fork steerer 332 and/or handlebarsteerer 334 may comprise a gear, sprocket, splined shaft, or the like.The flexible linkage member 336 may have corresponding engagementfeatures such as teeth, ridges, or other features that engage the forksteerer 332 and/or handlebar steerer 334.

While not shown in FIG. 11, the flexible linkage member 336 may beappropriately tensioned to maintain engagement with the fork steerer 332and handlebar steerer 334 to effectuate co-rotation thereof. Forinstance, a first section 336 a of the flexible linkage member 336 mayextend between the fork steerer 332 and handlebar steerer 334 on a firstside thereof and a second section 336 b of the flexible linkage member336 may extend between the fork steerer 332 and handlebar steerer 334thereof. In this regard, the first section 336 a and the second section336 b may comprise linkage members extending between the fork steerer332 and handlebar steerer 334 to effectuate co-rotation thereof.

Also, while the fork steerer 332, handlebar steerer 334, and flexiblelinkage member 336 are shown as being disposed entirely beyond theprofile of the linkage chassis 110 on a side thereof opposite thehandlebars 152, it may be appreciated that at least a portion of or allof the fork steerer 332, handlebar steerer 334, and flexible linkagemember 336 may be disposed internally within the linkage chassis 110.

In this regard, the steering linkage assembly 330 may provide some notedbenefit including a potential larger angular range of motion andpotentially comprising a smaller volume profile to allow for smallerpackaging (e.g., including internalizing the assembly to the linkagechassis 110 as described above).

With further reference to FIG. 12, an example of a steering linkageassembly 430 in which a steering spindle 448 is disposed in a headtube402 of a bicycle frame 400. In turn, a fork tube 414 may be disposed ina steering tube 446 of the steering linkage assembly 430. In thisregard, the fork 408 may be rotatable about the steering axis 444 of thesteering tube 446 and the steering spindle 448 may be rotatable aboutthe headtube axis 442. That is, the steering spindle 448 and the forktube 414 may be in an inverted position from those shown in FIGS. 3-11.A fork steerer 432 may still be connected to a handlebar steerer 434through a linkage member 446 as described above to facilitate corotationof the steering spindle 448 and the fork 408. When in the position shownin FIG. 12, the wheelbase of the bicycle frame 400 may be lengthenedrelative to the reach of the rider as the handlebars 452 may be in acloser position to the rider by virtue of the offset between thesteering axis 444 and the headtube axis 442. Moreover, the fork 408 andthe steering spindle 448 may be interchangeably positionable between theposition shown in FIG. 12 and those shown in FIGS. 3-11 to allow forselectable configuration of the bicycle frame 400 by a user.

One general aspect of the present disclosure includes a steering linkageassembly for a bicycle. The steering linkage assembly includes a linkagechassis. The steering linkage assembly includes a steering tube thatdefines a steering tube axis. The steering tube axis is offset from aheadtube axis of a headtube of the bicycle. The assembly also includes afork steerer configured for co-rotation with a fork of the bicycle. Thefork steerer is engaged with a fork tube that is positionable into oneof the steering tube or the headtube. The assembly also includes ahandlebar steerer configured for co-rotation with handlebars. Thehandlebar steerer is engaged with a steering spindle that ispositionable into the other of the steering tube or the headtube. Theassembly also includes one or more linkage members extending between thefork steerer and the handlebar steerer to impart co-rotational movementbetween the handlebar steerer and the fork steerer. The plurality oflinkage members are disposed on a side of the linkage chassis oppositethat on which the handlebars are attached to the handlebar steerer foruninterrupted movement of the linkage members by the headtube of thebicycle or the linkage chassis.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Forexample, the steering linkage assembly may include a headtube referencesurface of the headtube on a side of the headtube opposite the fork. Inaddition, a steering tube reference surface may be on a side of thesteering tube adjacent to an attachment location of the handlebars. Thesteering tube reference surface may be offset from the headtubereference surface in a direction toward the fork of the bicycle.

In an example, the linkage members may include linkage bars. The forksteerer and the handlebar steerer may rotate through a steering anglerange limited only by contacting engagement of the linkage bars witheach other.

In an example, the fork steerer may be integrated into the fork of thebicycle.

In an example, the linkage members may include segments of a continuousflexible linkage member extending about the fork steerer and thehandlebar steerer.

The linkage chassis may be integrated into a frame of the bicycle.Alternatively, the linkage chassis may be separate from a frame of thebicycle and configured for attachment to the headtube of the bicycle. Inthis regard, a kit may be provided that includes a plurality of linkagechasses, each having a different offset length between the steering tubeaxis and the headtube axis. The kit may also include a plurality oflinkage bar sets, each having different lengths corresponding to a givenone of the plurality of linkage chasses. In turn, respective ones of theplurality of linkage chasses and linkage bar sets may be attachable tothe fork steerer and the handlebar steerer, respectively, to define thedifferent offset lengths between the steering tube axis and the headtubeaxis.

In an example, the steering spindle may be disposed in the steering tubeand the fork tube is disposed in the headtube. Alternatively, the forktube is disposed in the steering tube and the steering spindle isdisposed in the headtube.

Another general aspect includes a bicycle. The bicycle includes abicycle frame that has a headtube having a headtube axis. The bicyclealso includes a linkage chassis that includes a steering tube thatdefines a steering tube axis. The steering tube axis is offset from theheadtube axis of the headtube of the bicycle. The bicycle also includesa fork steerer configured for co-rotation with a fork of the bicycle.The fork steerer is engaged with a fork tube that is positionable intoone of the steering tube or the headtube. The bicycle also includes ahandlebar steerer configured for co-rotation with handlebars. Thehandlebar steerer is engaged with a steering spindle that ispositionable into the other of the steering tube or the headtube. Thebicycle also includes linkage members extending between the fork steererand the handlebar steerer to impart co-rotational movement between thehandlebar steerer and the fork steerer. The linkage members may bedisposed on a side of the linkage chassis opposite that on which thehandlebars are attached to the handlebar steerer for uninterruptedmovement of the linkage members by the headtube of the bicycle or thelinkage chassis.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Forexample, the bicycle may include a bottom bracket that defines a reachmeasurement and a stack measurement in relation to the headtube. Thereach measurement may include a horizontal distance measured between theheadtube and a vertical datum aligned with the bottom bracket. The stackmeasurement may include a vertical distance measured between the bottombracket and a horizontal datum aligned with the headtube. The offsetbetween the steering tube axis and the headtube axis may be definedindependent of the reach measurement and the stack measurement.

In an example, the bicycle may include a headtube reference surface ofthe headtube on a side of the headtube opposite the fork. Also, asteering tube reference surface may be defined on a side of the steeringtube adjacent to an attachment location of the handlebars. The steeringtube reference surface may be offset from the headtube reference surfacein a direction toward the fork of the bicycle.

In an example, the linkage members may include linkage bars. The forksteerer and the handlebar steerer may rotate through a steering anglerange limited only by contacting engagement of the linkage bars witheach other. Alternatively, the linkage member may include segments of acontinuous flexible linkage member extending about the fork steerer andthe handlebar steerer.

In an example, the linkage chassis may be integrated into a frame of thebicycle. Alternatively, the linkage chassis is separate from a frame ofthe bicycle and configured for attachment to the headtube of the bicycleframe. In this regard, a kit may be provided that includes a pluralityof linkage chasses, each having a different offset length between thesteering tube axis and the headtube axis. The kit may also include aplurality of linkage bar sets, each having different lengthscorresponding to a given one of the plurality of linkage chasses. Inturn, respective ones of the plurality of linkage chasses and linkagebar sets may be attachable to the fork steerer and the handlebarsteerer, respectively, to define the different offset lengths betweenthe steering tube axis and the headtube axis.

Furthermore, the following numbered examples are facilitated by thepresent disclosure:

1. A steering linkage assembly for a bicycle, comprising:

a linkage chassis comprising a steering tube that defines a steeringtube axis, wherein the steering tube axis is offset from a headtube axisof a headtube of the bicycle;

a fork steerer configured for co-rotation with a fork of the bicycle,wherein the fork steerer is engaged with a fork tube that ispositionable into one of the steering tube or the headtube;

a handlebar steerer configured for co-rotation with handlebars, whereinthe handlebar steerer is engaged with a steering spindle that ispositionable into the other of the steering tube or the headtube; and

one or more linkage member extending between the fork steerer and thehandlebar steerer to impart co-rotational movement between the handlebarsteerer and the fork steerer, the linkage member being disposed on aside of the linkage chassis opposite that on which the handlebars areattached to the steering spindle for uninterrupted movement of thelinkage members by the headtube of the bicycle or the linkage chassis.

2. The steering linkage assembly of example 1, further comprising:

a headtube reference surface of the headtube on a side of the headtubeopposite the fork; and

a steering tube reference surface on a side of the steering tubeadjacent to an attachment location of the handlebars, the steering tubereference surface being offset from the headtube reference surface in adirection toward the fork of the bicycle.

3. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1 or 2, whereinthe linkage member comprises a plurality of linkage bars.

4. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-3, wherein thefork steerer and the handlebar steerer rotate through a steering anglerange limited only by contacting engagement of the linkage bars witheach other.

5. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-4, wherein thefork steerer is integrated into the fork of the bicycle.

6. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-5, wherein thelinkage member comprises segments of a continuous flexible linkagemember extending about the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer.

7. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-6, wherein thelinkage chassis is integrated into a frame of the bicycle.

8. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-7, wherein thelinkage chassis is separate from a frame of the bicycle and configuredfor attachment to the headtube of the bicycle.

9. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-8, furthercomprising:

a kit including:

a plurality of linkage chasses, each having a different offset lengthbetween the steering tube axis and the headtube axis;

a plurality of linkage bar sets, each having different lengthscorresponding to a given one of the plurality of linkage chasses; and

wherein respective ones of the plurality of linkage chasses and linkagebar sets are attachable to the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer,respectively, to define the different offset lengths between thesteering tube axis and the headtube axis.

10. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-9, whereinthe steering spindle is disposed in the steering tube and the fork tubeis disposed in the headtube.

11. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-10, whereinthe fork tube is disposed in the steering tube and the steering spindleis disposed in the headtube.

12. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-11, whereinthe fork steerer and the handlebar steerer are of different size suchthat a given amount of rotation of the fork steerer and the handlebarsteerer is different.

13. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-12, whereinthe given amount of rotation of the fork steerer is greater than thehandlebar steerer.

14. The steering linkage assembly of any one of examples 1-12, whereinthe given amount of rotation of the fork steerer is greater than thehandlebar steerer.

15. A bicycle, comprising:

a bicycle frame including at least a headtube having a headtube axis;

a linkage chassis comprising a steering tube that defines a steeringtube axis, wherein the steering tube axis is offset from the headtubeaxis of the headtube of the bicycle;

a fork steerer configured for co-rotation with a fork of the bicycle,wherein the fork steerer is engaged with a fork tube that ispositionable into one of the steering tube or the headtube;

a handlebar steerer configured for co-rotation with handlebars, whereinthe handlebar steerer is engaged with a steering spindle that ispositionable into the other of the steering tube or the headtube; and

one or more linkage member extending between the fork steerer and thehandlebar steerer to impart co-rotational movement between the handlebarsteerer and the fork steerer, the linkage member being disposed on aside of the linkage chassis opposite that on which the handlebars areattached to the handlebar steerer for uninterrupted movement of thelinkage member by the headtube of the bicycle or the linkage chassis.

16. The bicycle of example 15, further comprising:

a bottom bracket that defines a reach measurement comprising ahorizontal distance measured between the headtube and a vertical datumaligned with the bottom bracket and a stack measurement comprising avertical distance measured between the bottom bracket and a horizontaldatum aligned with the headtube; and

wherein the offset between the steering tube axis and the headtube axisis defined independent of the reach measurement and the stackmeasurement.

17. The bicycle of either one of examples 15 or 16, further comprising:

a headtube reference surface of the headtube on a side of the headtubeopposite the fork; and

a steering tube reference surface on a side of the steering tubeadjacent to an attachment location of the handlebars, the steering tubereference surface being offset from the headtube reference surface in adirection toward the fork of the bicycle.

18. The bicycle of any one of examples 15-17, wherein the linkage membercomprises a plurality of linkage bars, and wherein the fork steerer andthe handlebar steerer rotate through a steering angle range limited onlyby contacting engagement of the linkage bars with each other.

19. The bicycle of any one of examples 15-18, wherein the linkage membercomprises segments of a continuous flexible linkage member extendingabout the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer.

20. The bicycle of any one of examples 15-19, wherein the linkagechassis is integrated into a frame of the bicycle.

21. The bicycle of any one of examples 15-20, wherein the linkagechassis is separate from a frame of the bicycle and configured forattachment to the headtube of the bicycle frame.

22. The bicycle of any one of examples 15-21, wherein the steeringspindle is disposed in the steering tube and the fork tube is disposedin the headtube.

23. The bicycle of any one of examples 15-22, wherein the fork tube isdisposed in the steering tube and the steering spindle is disposed inthe headtube.

24. The bicycle of any one of examples 15-23, wherein the fork steererand the handle bar steerer are of different size such that an givenamount of rotation of the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer isdifferent.

25. The bicycle of any one of examples 15-24, wherein the given amountof rotation of the fork steerer is greater than the handlebar steerer.

26. The bicycle of any one of examples 15-24, wherein the given amountof rotation of the fork steerer is greater than the handlebar steerer.

The implementations described herein are implemented as logical steps inone or more computer systems. The logical operations may be implemented(1) as a sequence of processor-implemented steps executing in one ormore computer systems and (2) as interconnected machine or circuitmodules within one or more computer systems. The implementation is amatter of choice, dependent on the performance requirements of thecomputer system being utilized. Accordingly, the logical operationsmaking up the implementations described herein are referred to variouslyas operations, steps, objects, or modules. Furthermore, it should beunderstood that logical operations may be performed in any order, unlessexplicitly claimed otherwise or a specific order is inherentlynecessitated by the claim language.

1. A steering linkage assembly for a bicycle, comprising: a linkagechassis comprising a steering tube that defines a steering tube axis,wherein the steering tube axis is offset from a headtube axis of aheadtube of the bicycle; a fork steerer configured for co-rotation witha fork of the bicycle, wherein the fork steerer is engaged with a forktube that is positionable into one of the steering tube or the headtube;a handlebar steerer configured for co-rotation with handlebars, whereinthe handlebar steerer is engaged with a steering spindle that ispositionable into the other of the steering tube or the headtube; one ormore linkage member extending between the fork steerer and the handlebarsteerer to impart co-rotational movement between the handlebar steererand the fork steerer, the linkage member being disposed on a side of thelinkage chassis opposite that on which the handlebars are attached tothe steering spindle for uninterrupted movement of the linkage membersby the headtube of the bicycle or the linkage chassis; a headtubereference surface of the headtube on a side of the headtube opposite thefork; and a steering tube reference surface on a side of the steeringtube adjacent to an attachment location of the handlebars, the steeringtube reference surface being offset from the headtube reference surfacein a direction toward the fork of the bicycle.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Thesteering linkage assembly of claim 1, wherein the linkage membercomprises a plurality of linkage bars.
 4. The steering linkage assemblyof claim 3, wherein the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer rotatethrough a steering angle range limited only by contacting engagement ofthe linkage bars with each other.
 5. The steering linkage assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the fork steerer is integrated into the fork of thebicycle.
 6. The steering linkage assembly of claim 1, wherein thelinkage member comprises segments of a continuous flexible linkagemember extending about the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer. 7.The steering linkage assembly of claim 1, wherein the linkage chassis isintegrated into a frame of the bicycle.
 8. The steering linkage assemblyof claim 1, wherein the linkage chassis is separate from a frame of thebicycle and configured for attachment to the headtube of the bicycle. 9.The steering linkage assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a kitincluding: a plurality of linkage chasses, each having a differentoffset length between the steering tube axis and the headtube axis; aplurality of linkage bar sets, each having different lengthscorresponding to a given one of the plurality of linkage chasses; andwherein respective ones of the plurality of linkage chasses and linkagebar sets are attachable to the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer,respectively, to define the different offset lengths between thesteering tube axis and the headtube axis.
 10. The steering linkageassembly of claim 1, wherein the steering spindle is disposed in thesteering tube and the fork tube is disposed in the headtube.
 11. Thesteering linkage assembly of claim 1, wherein the fork tube is disposedin the steering tube and the steering spindle is disposed in theheadtube.
 12. The steering linkage assembly of claim 1, wherein the forksteerer and the handlebar steerer are of different size such that agiven amount of rotation of the fork steerer and the handlebar steereris different.
 13. The steering linkage assembly of claim 12, wherein thegiven amount of rotation of the fork steerer is greater than thehandlebar steerer.
 14. The steering linkage assembly of claim 12,wherein the given amount of rotation of the fork steerer is less thanthe handlebar steerer.
 15. A bicycle, comprising: a bicycle frameincluding at least a headtube having a headtube axis; a linkage chassiscomprising a steering tube that defines a steering tube axis, whereinthe steering tube axis is offset from the headtube axis of the headtubeof the bicycle; a fork steerer configured for co-rotation with a fork ofthe bicycle, wherein the fork steerer is engaged with a fork tube thatis positionable into one of the steering tube or the headtube; ahandlebar steerer configured for co-rotation with handlebars, whereinthe handlebar steerer is engaged with a steering spindle that ispositionable into the other of the steering tube or the headtube; andone or more linkage member extending between the fork steerer and thehandlebar steerer to impart co-rotational movement between the handlebarsteerer and the fork steerer, the linkage member being disposed on aside of the linkage chassis opposite that on which the handlebars areattached to the handlebar steerer for uninterrupted movement of thelinkage member by the headtube of the bicycle or the linkage chassis,wherein the linkage member comprises a plurality of linkage bars, andwherein the fork steerer and the handlebar steerer rotate through asteering angle range limited only by contacting engagement of thelinkage bars with each other.
 16. The bicycle of claim 15, furthercomprising: a bottom bracket that defines a reach measurement comprisinga horizontal distance measured between the headtube and a vertical datumaligned with the bottom bracket and a stack measurement comprising avertical distance measured between the bottom bracket and a horizontaldatum aligned with the headtube; and wherein the offset between thesteering tube axis and the headtube axis is defined independent of thereach measurement and the stack measurement.
 17. The bicycle of claim15, further comprising: a headtube reference surface of the headtube ona side of the headtube opposite the fork; and a steering tube referencesurface on a side of the steering tube adjacent to an attachmentlocation of the handlebars, the steering tube reference surface beingoffset from the headtube reference surface in a direction toward thefork of the bicycle.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. The bicycle ofclaim 15, wherein the linkage chassis is integrated into a frame of thebicycle.
 21. The bicycle of claim 15, wherein the linkage chassis isseparate from a frame of the bicycle and configured for attachment tothe headtube of the bicycle frame.
 22. The bicycle of claim 15, whereinthe steering spindle is disposed in the steering tube and the fork tubeis disposed in the headtube.
 23. The bicycle of claim 15, wherein thefork tube is disposed in the steering tube and the steering spindle isdisposed in the headtube.
 24. The bicycle of claim 15, wherein the forksteerer and the handlebar steerer are of different size such that angiven amount of rotation of the fork steerer and the handlebar steereris different.
 25. The bicycle of claim 24, wherein the given amount ofrotation of the fork steerer is greater than the handlebar steerer. 26.The bicycle of claim 24, wherein the given amount of rotation of thefork steerer is less than the handlebar steerer.